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One Strategy to Change Your Life

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged anxiety, Benefits of Praising God, Faith, Habit-stacking, Praising God, Prayer, Psalm 69:30, Worry on May 9, 2024| 23 Comments »

How would you finish this statement?

Nothing we do is more powerful or life-changing than _____________.

Some would suggest taking better care of ourselves, or setting goals that include a plan for completion, or training our minds to focus on the positive. And the argument could be made that all of these actions create beneficial influence in our lives.

But according to author Stormie Omartian, “nothing we do is more powerful or life-changing than praise”[1]. Others would likely agree with her, having cited numerous benefits themselves:

Prayers of adoration calm any fear, lift the spirit, and fill us with indescribable joy [2].

Praising God reduces our cares, levels our anxieties, and multiplies our blessings [3].

Continual praise is what changes the emotions, lifts the darkness, offers hope, frees the mood, and blesses God so that evil is driven out. It changes everything [4].

When we choose to practice adoration anyway in the midst of whatever we are feeling, our words lift us over that barrier and into a deeper connectedness with God [5].

But how could simple words produce such life-changing results? Psalm 69:30 offers a clue:

“I will praise the name of God with a song;

I will magnify him with thanksgiving” (ESV).

To magnify God is to make larger our view of him and his attributes, which lessens our view of the problems we face. The more often we focus on God, the more our faith thrives, and that in turn leads to less worry and fretting.

For example, see if these statements don’t boost your confidence in God for what you’re facing right now:

Praise God he is all-sufficient, all-knowing, and all-powerful. He has everything under control (Isaiah 55:11; Romans 11:33-36; 1 John 3:20b).

Praise God he is forever faithful, always working out his overall plan, always fulfilling his purpose (Lamentations 3:22-23; Job 42:2).

Praise God he is continually gracious and good, full of love and compassion (Psalm 145:8-9).

The longer we gaze at him, arrayed in such glorious attributes, the less insurmountable our problems become.

And with an unknown Puritan of old we too can affirm:

“When I think upon and converse with Thee, ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, and ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding every moment with happiness” [6].

That is the power of praise.

But the enemy of our souls is well aware of this power. He’ll do everything he can to keep us from developing the habit of praise. What might help?

Habit-stacking. Have you heard of it? The practice involves adding a new habit to some action that’s already a fixed routine.

For example, we might add more praise to our days while making the bed in the morning, completing some household chores, commuting to and from work, walking from place to place, waiting for the microwave, chopping fruit or veggies.

What routines are established in your life? Which ones lend themselves to spending a few minutes praising God for who he is and what he’s done?

Another possibility for adding praise to our lives comes from C. S. Lewis: “Make every pleasure into a channel of adoration.” He suggested several ideas to get us started: a beautiful mountain valley, delicious food, a great book, or a piece of music [7].

And you know what happens as we praise God for these blessings?

One’s mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun [8].

Isn’t that lovely imagery?

And is there any better place for our mind to be?

[1] Values for Life, 160.

[2] Kristine Brown (https://www.ibelieve.com/christian-living/prayers-of-adoration-to-fill-your-heart-wonder.html).

[3] Suzanne Dale Ezell, Values for Life, 160.

[4] Arnold Prater, Bonding with God, 78.

[5] Sara Hagerty, Unseen, 151.

[6] From The Valley of Vision, Puritan prayers and devotions compiled by Arthur Bennett, 1975.

[7] Quoted by Timothy Keller in Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, 197.

[8] C. S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, 89-90.

Art & photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.canva.com; http://www.freeimageslive.co.uk; www,pxhere.com; http://www.canva.com.

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GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, Joy, Meditation, Peace, Uncategorized, tagged Faith, God's Grace, God's Love, God's work within us, Grace, Psalm 84:11 on May 2, 2024| 45 Comments »

Have you seen those grace-filled fingerprints? Perhaps at home in the joy of good-natured laughter around the family table, or one child helping another with his homework—unprompted, or unified celebration of all—for the success of one.

Perhaps you’ve seen God’s fingerprints outdoors in a landscape of incredible beauty and grandeur, or an up-close encounter with one of God’s creatures, or the expanse of a sunrise, sunset, or brilliant rainbow.

And especially at church, we see God’s fingerprints when an impassioned congregation sings their praise to him, a saint of God offers a heart-touching prayer, someone shares a personal story of divine, miraculous provision, or a scripture-reading fits perfectly our current circumstances.

No doubt, God’s grace is on display everywhere and always. It never wanes; it’s new every morning. And, as illustrated above, when we intentionally look, we see his fingerprints in the GRACE of place.

But God’s grace is not only evident around us. God has provided a place of GRACE within us as well.

“This grace of God is a very great, strong, mighty, and active thing.

It does not lie asleep in the soul.

Grace hears, leads, drives, draws, changes, works all in man,

and lets itself be distinctly felt and experienced.

It is hidden, but its works are evident.

–Martin Luther

That middle line especially deserves deep and slow consideration. Luther would surely have us understand:

Our God of grace hears—even before we speak (Isaiah 55:24).

Our God of grace leads—along the best and straightest path to himself (Psalm 16:11a) [1].

Our God of grace drives (propels)—gently but persistently—so we’re resilient, not fragile; strong, not weak; useful, not ineffectual (Ephesians 3:20).

Our God of grace lovingly and relentlessly draws us unto himself (Jeremiah 31:3).

Our God of grace changes us, progressively transforming us into his likeness with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Our God of grace works in us so he can work through us—all to his and our mutual delight (Philippians 2:13).

He is a passionately dedicated, perfectly-intentioned, and supremely benevolent Heavenly Father!

Yet there is more.

Our God enriches, enlightens, enables, and enraptures by:

blessing us—not with everything that pleases us—but with everything good for us [2]

bestowing the privilege of his presence—“so wonderful, quieting, soothing, calming, and warming” [3]

guiding us with supernatural wisdom as we avail ourselves with childlike trust

shaping our lives into what is useful and beautiful [4]

providing a haven within of comfort (Psalm 34:18) and strength (Psalm 59:16), refreshment (Acts 3:19) and joy (Psalm 4:7)

All good things are a result of God’s grace (Psalm 84:11)—in the GRACE of place all around us and in the place of GRACE within.

Where are you seeing God’s grace-filled fingerprints this day? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

[1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[2] King David mentions at least ten gifts in Psalm 103 alone.

[3] J. Danson Smith, quoted in Streams in the Desert, Jim Reimann, ed., 340.

[4] Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses, 79.

Art & photo credits: http://www.openclipart.org & canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.creazilla.com (painting by Pieter Claesz).

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Exploration of Amazement

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Salvation, Praise, Salvation, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Amazement, Diamante, God's transforming power, John 15:1, John 15:5, poems, Poetry, quadrille, Quadrille poetry, Shadorma, Spring morning poem, Transformed Life, Wonder on April 25, 2024| 23 Comments »

‘Tis Poetry Month once again, a time to celebrate this art form that can stretch, inspire, and amaze us in ways unique from prose. Award-winning poet Pattiann Rogers identified at least one element of that uniqueness: the music of poetic language.

But is the composing of such music reserved only for experts? That question brings to mind another quote:

Such encouragement for us amateur-poets to give it a try and be stretched, inspired, and amazed when we create our own music of poetic language—unsophisticated as it may be.

This year I’ve experimented with three forms: Shadorma, diamante, and quadrille.

The Shadorma is of Spanish origin. It contains six lines, each with a specific syllable count that follows this pattern: 3/5/3/3/7/5.

Early morning on our deck offered inspiration for this Shadorma:

Dawn Rising

Sunbeams climb

Dusky shadows fade

Breezes kiss

Robins trill

Nasturtiums spangle with dew

Morning masterpiece

The diamante (diamond) form derives its name from its shape. It was created by American poet Iris McClellan Tiedt in 1969.

The pattern for diamante is more complex than Shadorma. The first half of the poem relates to the one word of the first line; the second half to the one word of the last line. These two lines often present opposites. The middle line provides a bridge between the two.

Each of the seven lines requires a certain number of words of a certain part of speech:

Line 1: 1 word (subject/noun)
Line 2: 2 adjectives that describe line 1
Line 3: 3 -ing words that relate to line 1
Line 4: 4 nouns (first 2 relate to line 1, last 2 relate to line 7–if you’re writing about opposite topics)
Line 5: 3 -ing words that relate to line 7
Line 6: 2 adjectives that describe line 7
Line 7: 1 word (subject/noun)

This diamante began to take shape as I considered the transformation Christ can make in a person’s life. A list of R-words began to grow—repentance, redeemed, restored, so I pursued the pattern.

A Transformed Life

Ruin

Repugnant, reprehensible

Rebelling, ravaging, retaliating

Rashness, recalcitrance, remorse, repentance

Returning, Releasing, Receiving

Redeemed, restored

Renewal

The Quadrille form first appeared at www.dversepoets.com in 2016. The only requirement is to include 44 words (excluding the title). They believe that “limitation can happily breed extreme creativity.” Each Monday they provide a word-prompt, and participants must use that word in their poems.*

I chose my own word from John 15:1, 5—vine. And while I played with possibilities, my poem began to fit a pattern. Every line contains seven words except the last, which contains nine.

First, the scripture, as a point of reference:

And now, the poem.

Bonded to the Vine

Praise to the Gardener of our souls!

Once we’re grafted to his Vine, he

Prunes away withered branches of worthless folly,

Waters us with his life-giving, spirit-strengthening Word,

And produces pleasing fruit with boundless sufficiency.

Such beauty results when we’re bonded to the Vine!

Remember the quote of Christopher Fry at the beginning of this post–“Poetry is the language in which man explores his own amazement?”

I wonder if he knew that the pleasure in exploring our amazement—whether as poets or not—is greatly enhanced when we include the Genius behind all things amazing.

* https://dversepoets.com/2017/09/11/quadrille-40/

Photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.pexels.com (3); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.

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Five for Five

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Salvation, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Prayer, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Christianity, Corporate Worship, Creation, God, God's Glory, Jesus, Live out our faith, quiet time, serving others, spring, the five senses on April 18, 2024| 36 Comments »

After the cold starkness of winter, spring gleefully reawakens our senses with her:

Effusion of colorful flowers
Scents of hyacinth, lilacs, and freshly-mowed grass
Symphony of bird song
Flavors of tender asparagus, luscious strawberries, and tart rhubarb
Textures of furry pussy willows, fuzzy moss, and silken magnolia petals

Praise God for our abilities to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch, allowing us to enjoy Spring in so many ways!

Even better, those abilities allow us to meet God in at least five ways.

Our five senses help us understand God more clearly.

Consider how the far-flung stars and planets speak of his power; the clever camouflage of lizard, fawn, and frog display his wisdom; the endless variety of colors, shapes, and textures prove his creativity; the instinctive parenting skills of adult animals demonstrate his goodness.

The wonder of creation is

every encounter illuminates

something about God.

–Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck, 55

Our five senses help us experience God’s glory more profoundly.

We can see his power at work in the transformation of lives [1].
We can hear his wisdom in godly men and women, such as Thomas á Kempis or Corrie ten Boom (just two among millions!):

We can feel God’s loving touch through a hug that conveys compassion, a worship song that quickens the heart, or a landscape vista that gives us glory-goosebumps.

We can taste his goodness in all the variety of blessings we enjoy (Psalm 34:8).

We can smell the fragrance of his sweet presence (Psalm 45:6-8)—if we pay attention.

Our five senses help us connect with God more intimately in solitude.

Many people call it Quiet Time—moments they spend with God in scripture reading/study, prayer, perhaps journaling, and/or listening to peaceful worship music.

It’s in the quiet we begin to see important realities of the spiritual realm, hear God’s voice within our spirits providing wisdom and encouragement, feel his presence more palpably as we touch our knees to the floor in prayer, and again, smell the fragrance of his sweet presence as he meets us in our place of solitude.

Our five senses help us worship God more intently in community.

The whole person, with all his senses,

with both mind and body,

needs to be involved in genuine worship.

Jerry Kerns [2]

Kerns would have us fully engaged–first to bless God’s heart and then to elevate the experience for us also.

How?

See the majesty and splendor of God on his throne–in your imagination. This is who you are worshiping [3]!

Hear the music and join in with grateful, enthusiastic praise [4].

Feel the presence of God as you pray. Try placing your hands on your lap, palms up—open and empty, symbolic of humility and receptivity [5].

Taste the bread and wine/juice with prayerful gratitude. Jesus is our Bread of Life who satisfies our spiritual hunger, who shed his blood for us so we might one day enjoy heaven with him. May we never become desensitized to the magnitude of his sacrifice.

Smell the fragrance of God’s saints as they leave the perfume of kindness, uplift, and joy in their wake.

Our five senses help us live out our faith more joyfully.

When our heart’s desire is to serve God by serving others, we’ll aspire to live so people:

See the Light of Jesus in our choices, behavior, and attitudes (Matthew 5:14-15)

Hear us speak truth, wisdom, and encouragement (Proverbs 10:20-21)

Feel the love of God in our interactions with them (John 13:35)

Taste the flavorful salt of God’s divine grace within us (Matthew 5:13)

Smell the fragrance of Christ in our lives (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

And as we engage all five senses in these five ways, what will happen?

We’ll bring more glory to God and enjoy more fully the satisfying, abundant life his Son provides.

That sounds mighty good to me. You too?

[1] Stunning examples include Jake DeShazer (https://nancyaruegg.com/2016/08/18/a-miracle-of-forgiveness/), Johnny Hart (https://nancyaruegg.com/2018/08/09/johnny-and-jesus/), and Isobel Kuhn (https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/04/11/goodness-and-mercy-followed/).

[2] https://www.experiencingworship.com/articles/general/2001-7-great-quotes-on-worship.html

[3] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2023/07/06/in-awe-of-gods-magnificence/

[4] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/09/07/when-worship-loses-the-wonder/

[5] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/03/23/the-ultimate-delight/

Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.goodfon.com; http://www.stockvault.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org.

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Men’s Worst, God’s Best

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Grace, God's Salvation, Jesus, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged bible, Christianity, Faith, God, Hebrews 12:2, Jesus, Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus' Death, Revelation 5:12, Sharing in Christ's glory, Significance of Jesus' Name on March 28, 2024| 24 Comments »

Many of those who haven’t asked Christ into their lives yet will still admit: historical evidence proves Jesus once lived on earth. They’ll agree he was a good man who taught wise principles to live by.

But even they might wonder: Why would God allow his Son to suffer such a cruel death at the hands of hateful men?

Welsh pastor and author Selwyn Hughes provided this insightful answer: what seemed to be the worst thing that could happen to Jesus—crucifixion—turned out to be the best thing for him [1].

That sounds ludicrous at first reading until we consider what Christ has enjoyed since returning to heaven, and what he’s looking forward to in the future–all because he fulfilled his mission at the cross.

As he suffered for us, Jesus kept in mind the joys set before him (Hebrews 12:2):

Sitting in the ultimate place of honor in the universe, at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3b).

Angels acclaiming him, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor, glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12).

God appointing him to be head over everything for the good of the church (Ephesians 1:22 GNT).

Being given authority and sovereign power that will last into eternity (Daniel 7:14).

All kings bowing before him one day, and all nations serving him (Psalm 72:11 NLT).

All nations and people of every language worshiping him (Daniel 7:14).

Being given the name above every name (Philippians 2:9).

And why is that last fact significant? Jesus is the One and only Son of God, the only Redeemer and Savior, the only Christ and Anointed One of God. “His rank, his titles, his dignity, are above all others” [2].

Perhaps no one has explained the significance of Jesus’ name(s) more eloquently than theologian Charles Spurgeon:

Jesus’ name is “the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension; although a drop for brevity, a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters” [3].
Charles Spurgeon

But Jesus doesn’t want to enjoy these accolades and privileges alone. Max Lucado wrote:

Jesus desires for us to be one with him, continually availing ourselves of all he has to offer.

Even more astonishing? Because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, we who’ve accepted Jesus into our lives get to share in his power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor and glory!

For example:

The immeasurable and surpassing greatness of God’s spiritual POWER is in us who believe (Ephesians 1:19 AMP).

He supplies spiritual RICHES and blessings that cannot be fully understood or measured (Ephesians 3:8-9).

Christ’s word with all its WISDOM lives within us so we can experience his joy (Colossians 3:16; John 15:10-11).

We’re equipped for anything and equal to anything, through Christ who infuses us with inner STRENGTH (Philippians 4:13 AMP).

As beloved children adopted into God’s family through Christ, we are precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:4). He’s crowned us with HONOR and GLORY (Psalm 8:5; Romans 2:10), including the honor of representing Jesus in this world, and the glory of his character at work within us [4].

On this eve of Good Friday, we’d do well to remember:

We can pick up our own cross, inspired by Jesus’ example, empowered by God’s Spirit within us, and encouraged by the glorious outcome yet to be [5].

The worst circumstances we might face will become God’s best in our lives too.

[1] Every Day Light, 285.

[2] Barnes’ Notes on the Bible at www.biblehub.org

[3] Morning by Morning, 41.

[4] See also 2 Corinthians 5:17, 20

[5] To “pick up our cross” means trusting in God even when suffering comes our way, putting aside our self-will and embracing God’s will instead.

Photo credits: http://www.freebibleimages.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pexels.com.

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Surprise in the Fruit Bowl

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, God, Godly Character, Uncategorized, tagged Christianity, Faith, fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, holy-spirit, Jesus on March 14, 2024| 50 Comments »

Years ago I served as a short-term missionary in Ecuador. One of my first meals there included a fruit I’d eaten many times back home in Illinois, although more often from a can than the produce section.

But that day the golden wedges provided an uber-delightful surprise: more flavor, more sweetness, and less acidity than any I’d enjoyed in the States. It was as if I was eating a different fruit.

That’s because Ecuador grows some of the world’s best pineapple. Their location on the equator and the volcanic soil of the Andes Mountains provides perfect growing conditions. I gained new appreciation for what pineapple could be.

There’s another kind of fruit that many of us are familiar with, but it’s not the kind we eat. It’s the fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Many of you can probably recite its nine aspects:

What follows are brief thoughts on each. I pray we gain new appreciation for what this fruit can be—perhaps even uncover a surprise or two.

LOVE

If you were asked, what’s a powerful, practical way to express love for others, what would you say? Theologian John Calvin suggested intercession [1]. To pray for a person is to love that person.

Who might you love with a prayer today?

JOY

Scripture tells us to “rejoice always” [2], but that’s hard to do when problems and pain come our way.

Selwyn Hughes offers this perspective: Even though our difficulties may have begun with the devil, by the time they get to us and through us, they will have a divine purpose running through them [3].

Now that we can joyfully celebrate.

PEACE

“The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person,” asserts Lysa TerKuerst [4]. And Isaiah 26:3 suggests why:

What better way to fix our thoughts than with thanksgiving? And as we affirm God’s blessings, peace will warm our hearts.

PATIENCE

Patience blossoms best in the soil of God’s promises, as we wait for him to intervene. His promises cover every circumstance; our part is to know them and believe, then patiently anticipate their fulfillment.

Are you clinging to a scripture-promise today? Turn it into a prayer of faith, hope, and patience [5].

KINDNESS

We can grow this attribute with one action: meditate on God’s kindness to us [6]. Meditation fosters appreciation; appreciation fosters emulation, and soon we find God’s kindness becoming more a part of who we are.

GOODNESS

This trait often seems out of reach. But instead of trying harder to be good, author Philip Yancey recommends: simply love God. “A person who truly loves God will be inclined to please God” [7].

Also worth remembering, the inclination to always please self results in dissatisfaction and restlessness [8].

FAITHFULNESS

Every year thousands gather to see Old Faithful, even though it’s not the tallest geyser in the world. Why is it so popular? Dependability. You can count on Old Faithful.

What might dependability look like for you today?

GENTLENESS

A list of traits of successful people rarely includes gentleness. Yet this attribute contributes much to prosperity in life. That’s because: “[Gentleness] creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” [9].

It’s the gentle-spirited souls who lean in toward God with yielding hearts to rest in his sovereignty. And then, think of it: God, with all his glorious attributes, comes close (James 4:8).

SELF-CONTROL

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls”[10]–vulnerable to all sorts of problems.

Better to take the wise course, prayerfully availing ourselves of the Holy Spirit’s help, to develop those habits we know will bring benefit and usefulness.

* * * * * * * * * *

And now, our fruit bowl is full! Did you find any surprises?

I pray this week, you enjoy one or more aspects of this familiar fruit–with fresh appreciation!

[1] https://gracequotes.org/topic/love-others_for/

[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:16

[3] Every Day Light, 124.

[4] Embraced, 256.

[5] A few favorite scripture-promises include: Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 41:10, 31; Romans 8:28; James 1:5.

[6] From a sermon our pastor preached last spring.

[7] Grace Notes, 325.

[8] Ecclesiastes 2:10-26

[9] Albert M. Wells, Jr., Inspiring Quotations Contemporary & Classical, 91.

[10] Proverbs 25:28 NLT

Art & photo credits: http://www.needpix.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pickpic.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.negativespace.com; http://www.deviantart.com (vulcanknight).

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Antidotes for What Ails You

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Power, God's Provision, Perseverance, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged anxiety, comfort, Discouragement, Faith, Hope, Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 145:14, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 94:19, Spiritual Strength on March 7, 2024| 29 Comments »

We’ve all had days when discouragement, inadequacy, hurt, or fear want to plague our spirits. And we find our own weak efforts do little to ease the distress.

BUT!

Praise God he provides the antidote for every malady of the soul.

What follows is a list of ways he accomplishes that healing and binding [1]. I pray these declarations may be just the antidote to strengthen your inner being:

When we worry; he reassures.

When I worried about many things,

your assuring words soothed my soul.

—Psalm 94:19 GWT

When we stress, he soothes.

“Would you drown your cares? Then go, plunge yourself in the Godhead’s deepest sea; be lost in His immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated.

“I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.”

—Charles Spurgeon

When we stagger; he steadies.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous be shaken.

—Psalm 55:22 NIV

When we struggle; he strengthens.

“With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?” — A. W. Tozer [2]

When we falter; he lifts up.

The Lord upholds all who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

—Psalm 145:14

When we fail; he forgives.

“With [God], each day—each moment—is a clean slate” — Aliza Latta [3].

When we forget; he reminds.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you,

“Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

—Isaiah 41:13 ESV

When we doubt; he affirms.

Dismantle doubts with declarations of truth from God’s Word, truths that remind us: his character is flawless, his actions are righteous, his power is unlimited, his love is unfailing, his faithfulness unending [4].

When we regret; he forgets.

I will forgive their sins and will

no longer remember their wrongs.”

—Hebrews 8:12 GNT

When we hunger; he fills.

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness]

are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

[those who actively seek right standing with God],

for they will be [completely] satisfied.

—Matthew 5:6 AMP

When we’re bent; he repairs.

“God is mercifully shaping our lives into what is useful and beautiful” — Eugene Peterson [5].

When we desire wrongly; he directs rightly.

For it is God who is working in you,

enabling you both to desire

and to work out his good purpose.

—Philippians 2:13 HCSB

When we’re uncertain; he guides.

“Happy are those who place their hands in that of the Great Guide. He will bring them all the way and when he has brought them home to glory and has opened their eyes to see the way by which he has led them, what a song of gratitude will they sing unto God! Lord, lead your poor blind child this day, for I know not my way” — Charles Spurgeon [6].

When we’re discouraged; he inspires

He would have us know: “Nothing under My control can ever be out of control. Everything you need I know about in every detail. Remember, I am able to supply, to guide, to start, to stop, to sustain, to change, to correct in My time and for My purposes” [7] .

Again and again he provides the antidote for every need of our souls.

Our part is simply to receive.

[1] “Binding” in Psalm 147:3 intimates holding together while an injury heals. God often allows time in combination with his antidotes to accomplish healing, fostering inner strength and perseverance in the process (James 1:2-4).

[2] Knowledge of the Holy, 70.

[3] www.incourage.com, 1-19-19

[4] Exodus 32:4; Psalm 145:17; Job 36:22-23; Psalm 117:1-2; 100:5

[5] Run with the Horses, 79.

[6] Faith’s Checkbook, March 23.

[7] Based on statements made by Chuck Swindoll in Intimacy with the Almighty, 73.

Photo credits: http://www.negativespace.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com.

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All These Good Things

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Uncategorized, tagged bible, Contentment, Faith, God, God's Good Gifts, Happiness, Psalm 84:11, satisfaction in life on February 22, 2024| 36 Comments »

Sometime during my teens, workers constructed a new house down the street and around the corner—a white Colonial with pillars—something like this:

I dreamed of living there in its spacious rooms, decorated in classic style, similar to the homes in House Beautiful magazine:

Of course, my dreams included a pool . . .

. . . and my favorite car parked out front, just for me to drive—a baby blue Mustang convertible:

Then I’d be deliriously happy.

And according to Psalm 84:11, those good things should have been mine, right?

After all, I was a pretty good kid—never got in serious trouble.

But now, all these decades later, I know: 1) Any sin at all is enough to separate me from all-righteous God (Isaiah 59:2). And 2) . . .

If it has a price tag, it won’t bring lasting satisfaction.
Chuck Swindoll

Now I realize there’s nothing more I could wish for in this world than what God desires to give me*–gifts that are the result of his ever-perfect goodness, never-ending grace, and breath-taking glory, gifts that are good for me.

Just for fun I challenged myself to list such gifts from A to Z, to celebrate the breadth of his generosity to his children.

I pray you’ll be celebrating too as you peruse the following.

Out of his abundant love, God has graced us with:

Access into his presence any time (Ephesians 2:18)

Bible truth that teaches, guides, and inspires (Psalm 119:24)

Comfort in pain and sorrow (Matthew 5:4)

Delights and blessings (Psalm 103:5)

Enablement to endure life’s downturns (Philippians 4:13), remembering that:

His Forgetfulness of our confessed sins (Hebrews 8:12)

His Grace to redeem us from death (Ephesians 1:7-8)

(The pleasure of) Humor, because the cheerful heart has a continual feast (Proverbs 15:15b)

Immortality with God in heaven (2 Timothy 1:10)

Death is not a period but a comma in the story of life.
Amos Traver

(His) Jealousy that compels him to preserve his relationship with his people (Exodus 20:5)

Kingdom-living and all its benefits (Luke 12:32)

Loving-kindness, lavished upon us (1 John 3:1; Psalm 36:7-9)

Miracles too numerous to count (Job 5:9)

Nature that brims with beauty and wonder (Psalm 104)

Overflow of his benevolence in our lives (Psalm 119:65 NLT)

Promises that never fail (Psalm 145:13b)

Quietness of spirit that offers peace and contentment (Psalm 23:1-2)

Relationships characterized by unity, support, and love (Ephesians 2:17-22)

(The gift of) Song, enlivening our hearts with strength, joy, and encouragement (Psalm 98:4-6)

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Berthold Auerbach

Truth found in Jesus, setting us free from the impossible burden of earning our way to heaven (John 14:6; 8:32)

Uplift to those who are discouraged, guilt-ridden, and/or grieving (Psalm 145:3-13)

Victory over death, given to us through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Wonders that showcase his power, wisdom, goodness, and more (Psalm 145:3-13)

(The) X-cellence of his character, compelling him to always do the right thing at the right time (Psalm 96:1-6)

(The) Yoke of Jesus, symbolic of his help as we follow his lead (Matthew 11:28-30)

Zion, the eternal city of perfection prepared for his redeemed (Isaiah 35:10)

And now I can affirm more strongly than ever:

God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Including the best dreams of foolish teenage girls.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for showcasing in our lives your marvelous attributes and showering us with so many wondrous gifts! May the eyes of my heart turn away from the baubles of this world and revel instead in the beauty of your character and kingdom—a kingdom where you preside in all your perfections and provide for us all good things. Hallelujah!

*based on a statement by Joni Eareckson Tada, A Quiet Place in a Crazy World, 127

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com (2); http://www.pexels.com (Dylan Leagh); http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.flickr.com (Kerry Ann Dame); http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (Sheila Brown); http://www.pxhere.com.

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Grace Like Rain

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Grace, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged Faith, God, God's Grace, God's Love, Isaiah 41:17-18, Isaiah 44:3, Isaiah 58:11, Jeremiah 31:25, John 7:38, Negev Desert, Psalm 107:8-9, Psalm 34:5, Psalm 5:12, Revelation 21:6 on February 8, 2024| 39 Comments »

No doubt you’ve seen a movie or two with at least one desert scene, in which the protagonists must withstand brutal heat and scarcity of water. (Did Lawrence of Arabia, Flight of the Phoenix, or The Way Back come to mind?)

Some of us have even visited a desert—perhaps the Great Basin or the Mojave here in America, the Sahara in Africa, or the Negev in Israel:

Note the limestone and chalk landforms of the Negev—barren rocky cliffs and ravines, desolate summits and valleys, and of course, sand.

As is true of all deserts, the Negev is arid and stark—most of the year. But then come the months of February and March—the rainy season—and oh, what a transformation takes place.

The bleakness turns to an exuberance of vibrant flowers, including:

Arabian Primrose

Desert Tulip

Desert Hollyhock

Negev Iris

Water bestows the miracle of life, facilitating photosynthesis and transporting nutrients from the soil.

And as water brings life to the desert, so God’s grace brings the miracle of life to our hearts.

His lavish grace falls like rain [1]; and oh, what a transformation takes place!

Consider the following aspects of renewal:

1. God’s grace cleanses the dusty grime of sin from our souls (Psalm 51:2).

God knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust. But out of his grace-filled forgiveness he washes away all wrongdoing, and lovingly works to make us more than we are [2].

2. God’s grace like rain provides the miracle of eternal life (Revelation 21:6).

Jesus makes it possible for us to move from living death to deathless life [3].

3. God’s grace nourishes and invigorates our spirits (John 7:38).

He uses many means to soak his truth into the depths of our hearts, providing refreshment, renewal, and encouragement. One primary example: the Bible.

When we disregard God’s Word, we expose ourselves to aridness of spirit.

4. God’s grace brings fruitful productivity to our lives (Isaiah 58:11).

A number of plants in the Negev provide food, including the seeds of the canarian aizoon, the stems and leaves of the carrechtera, the roots of the desert broomrape, and the flowers of the coarse rocket.

Similarly, the Spirit of God nurtures fruit within us–pleasing attributes like love, kindness, goodness, and more (Galatians 5:22-23). As we grow in our relationship with him, so do these attractive fruit.

5. God’s grace-like-rain showers us with blessing (Isaiah 41:17-18).

Flowers of joy, peace, hope, and more can flourish in the most desolate of places, when we allow God to infuse us with his all-sufficient presence.

6. God’s grace gives us refreshment and pleasure (Jeremiah 31:25; Isaiah 44:3).

He will do us good, real good, lasting good,

only good, every good.

With this promise in our hearts,

we need not fear.

–Charles Spurgeon [4]

7. God’s grace creates radiant beauty in a life that was once a wasteland (Psalm 34:5).

That radiant beauty is characterized by smiles of joy, an attitude of contentment, a voice of wisdom and encouragement, an outlook of faith, and a heart of love.

Praise God, his love flows freely to the unlovely [5], developing such beauty!

His grace-like-rain washes over us, bestowing all these aspects of the abundant life to those who are thirsty.

Will you come?

[1] Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 259.

[2] Psalm 103:14; Ruth Graham, Blessings for a Mother’s Day, 101.

[3] Jack Odell, from Quote/Unquote, compiled by Lloyd Cory, 284.

[4] Charles Spurgeon, Faith’s Checkbook, May 28.

[5] A. W. Tozer

Art & photo credits: www.commons.wikipedia.org; http://www.imaggeo.egu.eu; http://www.identify.plantnet.org; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org (3); http://www.stocksnap.io; http://www.commonswikipedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.rawpixel.com.

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Hooray! / Oh Dear!

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Excellence, God's Faithfulness, God's Promises, Joy, Obedience, Uncategorized, Wisdom, tagged Dueteronomy 7:9, Isaiah 1:9, John 15:14, Luke 11:28, Obedience and Abundance, Obedience to God, Obedience to God's Word, Proverbs 16:20, Psalm 119:2, Psalm 19:8, Psalm 34:9 on February 1, 2024| 51 Comments »

When our daughter Heather was a child, she would sometimes entertain herself and her little brother Jeremy with stories she’d create.

These weren’t ordinary stories, however. Each part of the story was to be followed by a response, such as HOORAY or OH DEAR. Jeremy would supply those. Heather told her story so the responses alternated.

For example:

One day Mrs. Brown said to her children, “Let’s go on a picnic!” (HOORAY!)

But while they were getting ready it started to rain. (OH DEAR!)

Mrs. Brown said, “Don’t worry, we’ll have a picnic in the family room!” (HOORAY!)

Billy Brown counted out apples for everyone. “Uh-oh!” he said. “We don’t have enough apples!” (OH DEAR!)

You get the idea.

Some of us have read Bible promises with the same HOORAY/OH DEAR responses. (Although we’d probably exchange HOORAY for HALLELUJAH!)

Take Deuteronomy 7:9, for example. We read, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations . . .” And our response might be HALLELUJAH!

Then we read the second part: “. . . of those who love him and keep his commandments” (emphasis added). (OH DEAR.)

Here are two more examples:

“You will eat the good things of the land . . .” (HALLELUJAH!) “. . . if you are willing and obedient”–Isaiah 1:19. (OH DEAR.)

Or this assurance from Jesus: “You are my friends . . . ,” (HALLELUJAH!) “. . . if you do what I command”–John 15:14. (OH DEAR).

I can’t speak for you but often I’m glad to claim God’s promises, then struggle to comply with the prerequisite: God’s directives—even though I know that sinful, self-centered behaviors can get me into trouble and won’t produce long-term contentment.

I so easily forget:

What blessing might Jesus have had in mind when he made that promise? Actually, the Bible lists a number of blessings tied to obedience. Here’s a starter-list of ten:

1. God’s watchful care. “The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him” (Psalm 33:18).

2. Prosperity of soul. “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20).

3. Joy of heart. “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:8).

Jesus isn’t trying to make your life miserable by calling you to obey his word. He wants you to abide in his love and have fullness of joy! God doesn’t give us his word to keep us from life. He gives us his word so we can walk in abundance of life.
Melissa Kruger, Growing Together, 50

4. Freedom from shame. “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands” (Psalm 119:5-6).

5. Freedom from fear. “Surely the righteous will never be shaken . . . They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:6a, 8a).

6. Peace of mind. “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165).

When we obey with a right heart from a place of love, we experience a joy and peace we’d never know otherwise.
Denise Hughes, Deeper Waters, 149.

7. Blessing upon our grandchildren. “The Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts” (Psalm 103:17-18).

8. Wisdom. “The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b).

9. Joy of knowing Jesus intimately. “The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. . . I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him” (John 14:21 HCSB).

If I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God.
Oswald Chambers

10. Everything we need and then some. “Those who obey him have all they need . . . Those who obey the Lord lack nothing good” (Psalm 34:9 GNT).

When we yield in obedience to God’s voice he yields a harvest greater than we can imagine.
Denise Hughes, Deeper Waters, 149

We know it’s true: disobedience can lead to disaster. (OH DEAR!)

But even the short list of blessings listed above proves:

Obedience leads to abundance.

(HALLELUJAH–and thank you, Lord!)

* * * * * * * * * *

O God, I praise you for your promises that assure me: when I follow your ways, all will be well. Give me understanding so I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart–moment by moment. May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, so I won’t be put to shame!

Jeremiah 7:23; Psalm 119:34, 80

Photo credits: Steve Ruegg; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.freerangestock.com (Chad Madden); http://www.canva.com (2).

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Archive for the ‘Blessings’ Category

One Strategy to Change Your Life

GRACE of Place, Place of GRACE

Exploration of Amazement

Five for Five

Surprise in the Fruit Bowl

Antidotes for What Ails You

All These Good Things

Grace Like Rain

Hooray! / Oh Dear!

Nancy Ruegg

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